Renewables hit Q1 peak in several countries

The results from the first quarter have been hitting headlines and it seems that renewable has become the standard for many countries, particularly in Europe.

Scotland produced an astonishing 5 million megawatt hours of electricity to the National Grid in the first three months of this year. WWF Scotlandmade the announcement this week that ‘in January alone, renewable wind powered the equivalent of over five million homes; that’s well over twice the number of households in Scotland.’

“Renewables have provided an incredible amount of power during the first three months of this year. An increase of 44 per cent on the record-breaking equivalent period in 2017 is clear evidence the investment made in this technology has paid off for the economy and the environment, putting Scotland at the forefront of the fight against climate change.” said Dr Sam Gardner, WWF Scotland’s Acting Director, before adding that the government need to do more to ensure that renewable sources are utilised to their fullest potential.

“If Scotland’s full renewables potential is to be unleashed to power our economy, heat our homes and charge our cars,” said Gardner, “then the UK Government needs to stop excluding the cheapest forms of power, like onshore wind and solar, from the market.”

Karen Robinson of WeatherEnergy, who provided a great deal of the data for the report, added; “It’s great to see renewables continuing to power Scotland, adding to the year on year evidence that greater investment in both renewables and storage is the way forward.”

Additionally, Portugal produced more than the country’s required supply of energy from renewables alone, according to the nation’s transmission system operator, REN.

A report outlining the Renewable Electricity Output has also been published, showcasing the percentages of renewable energy being generated on a global scale. With Europe and Central Asia leading the way, a green future could be within reach.

Quartz added:

‘A 100% (renewable) goal is not fantasy, especially in Europe. Germany has committed to an electricity supply that is at least 80% renewable, possibly as high as 100%, by mid-century. Denmark already produces around 100% of its own needs at times from renewable sources, as does Norway and Iceland, thanks to hydropower and geothermal heat. Sweden’s new Climate Act commits the country to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. But they still have a long way to go.’

Colin J McCracken is a content designer, editor and writer from Ireland. Giving form and function to the My Good Planet vision, it has been his role to design and develop the online platform, content and presence of the project.